Sir Keir Starmer has addressed the escalating concerns regarding Iran’s missile capabilities following alarming reports indicating that the UK could be within range of Iranian ballistic missiles. Recent developments revealed that Iran launched two ballistic missiles targeting Diego Garcia, a military base in the Chagos Islands operated by British and American forces.
The missile attack occurred prior to the UK government granting the United States permission to strike missile sites aimed at the Strait of Hormuz on Friday. However, the exact timing of the missile launches remains unclear.
One missile was intercepted by a US warship, while the other reportedly malfunctioned during its flight. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has refrained from commenting on the specifics of the attack.
Iran’s Threats and Regional Tensions
Iran is approximately 3,800 kilometers away from the Chagos Islands. In the aftermath of the missile launch, Israeli officials asserted that Iran possesses missiles capable of reaching London, with an Iranian minister warning that British lives are now ‚in danger.‘
Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, expressed his concerns on social media, accusing the UK Prime Minister of endangering British lives by permitting UK territory to be used for what he termed ‚aggression.‘
This statement follows a recent Iranian drone strike on RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus earlier this month, further heightening tensions in the region.
Statements from Israeli Leadership
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that Iran has the capability to target ‚deep into Europe.‘ He stated,
“I’ve been warning all the time. They have now the capacity to reach deep into Europe. They already have fired on a European country, Cyprus. They are putting everyone in their sights.”
On Saturday night, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), which are spearheading military operations against Iran, claimed that the nation possesses missiles that pose a threat to Europe.
In a post on social media platform X, the IDF stated,
“During Operation Rising Lion in June 2025, the IDF revealed that the Iranian regime has intentions to develop missiles with a range of 4,000 km, which pose a danger to dozens of countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa. The Iranian regime denied this. We have been saying it: The Iranian terrorist regime poses a global threat.”
They further asserted,
“Now, with missiles that can reach London, Paris, or Berlin. The Iranian terror regime has carried out attacks against 12 countries in the region and is developing a capability that poses a much broader threat.”
Starmer’s Response to the Threats
When questioned about the claims regarding the UK’s vulnerability to Iranian missile strikes, Sir Keir Starmer stated on Monday morning that there is currently “no assessment” indicating that the UK is being specifically targeted.
In response to inquiries about the UK’s potential exposure to Iranian missiles following the attempted strike on Diego Garcia, Starmer remarked,
“We carry out assessments all the time in order to keep us safe, and there’s no assessment that we’re being targeted in that way at all.”
He continued,
“But of course, it’s my job to ensure that British interests, British lives are always uppermost in my mind.”
Starmer emphasized the need for de-escalation, referencing a recent statement from multiple countries regarding the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, which he noted requires careful coordination and a viable strategy.
He concluded,
“But it’s very important we defend our interests, we defend British lives, but without getting dragged into the war, and that’s the clear divide I’ve put in place.”
Bildquelle: ai-generated-gemini
